Neighbors 2: Sorority Rising

This comedy sequel tackles the provocative question of whether sororities still lack the basic American freedom to party that Greek fraternities have enjoyed for decades. “In the United States, sororities are not allowed to throw parties in their own houses,” lectures Phi Lambda's president (Selena Gomez), “Only frats can.” So pot-smoking freshman pledge Shelby (Chloë Grace Moretz) starts her own independent sorority, Kappa Nu, recruiting some rebellious misfits, including Beth (Kiersey Clemons) and Nora (Beanie Feldstein). Faced with the challenge of paying $5,000 in rent, Shelby consults dimwitted, beefcake former fratboy Teddy Sanders (Zac Efron). And the rented Kappa Nu mansion is located next-door to Mac (Seth Rogen) and pregnant-again Kelly Radner (Rose Byrne), who desperately want to move. The Radner home is currently in escrow, and the new owners have 30 days to make random inspections and back out for any reason—but it's impossible to curb the neighboring girls' enthusiastic pranks. Eventually, Mac and Kelly discard diplomacy, calling on Sanders to help them. Directed by Nicholas Stoller, this raw, raunchy re-tread reflects a frustrating, gender-based double standard (the National Panhellenic Conference in reality prohibits drinking in its 26 member sororities, and no alcohol means no parties, unless they are co-hosted with fraternities). But the gross-out gags, ribald humor, and action pieces simply don't work as well as they did in the 2014 original. Optional. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include audio commentary by co-writer/director Nicholas Stoller and producer James Weaver, deleted scenes (24 min.), the production featurettes “Nu Neighbors” (8 min.) and “Girls Rule” (6 min.), a gag reel (5 min.), a “Line-O-Rama” segment (5 min.), and the behind-the-scenes featurettes “The Prodigal Bros Return” (5 min.) and “The Ultimate Tailgate” (5 min.). Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are bonus DVD, digital, and UltraViolet copies of the film. Bottom line: a solid extras package for a lackluster sequel.] (S. Granger)